Which supplements are good for heart health, which are not?

With a substantial increase in several cardio-metabolic diseases over the years, questions regarding which dietary supplements to take and which to avoid have become relevant, with diet and nutrition being two of the most important factors in causing and preventing several conditions. long-term. And it all starts with tearing down the devil called cholesterol.

Cardiometabolic diseases are a variety of common but preventable diseases, including cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, and metabolic disorders like diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, among others. These present some of the most serious health challenges for the global healthcare system in the 21st century, with cases increasing rapidly every year. But research, technology and treatment modules have also evolved at a rapid pace over the years, making the conditions not only curable but also preventable.

Several studies have suggested that diets high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. On the contrary, diets high in saturated fat and sodium increase the threat quotient. Micronutrients consist of various vitamins and minerals like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which tend to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality, heart attacks and other heart diseases due to their anti-inflammatory effect, while folic acid decreases the risk of stroke by lowering blood levels of total homocysteine ​​(tHcy). Being a key family of polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids not only prevent heart disease and stroke, but also help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis while playing a major role in cancer. and other ailments.

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Polyphenols like curcumin, genistein, and quercetin have shown health benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease as well as reducing HbA1c (a longer-term measure of blood sugar) and insulin levels in fasting blood. And while several micronutrients have various health benefits, others like vitamin C, E, and selenium have a neutral effect on cardiovascular and metabolic disease. It’s also worth noting that vitamin D reduces oxidative stress and improves cardiometabolic outcomes, but studies are still inconclusive as to whether it can prevent heart disease.

In fact, Johns Hopkins researchers say that consuming too much of certain vitamins can be harmful. Too much calcium and vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nutrients like magnesium play a major role in muscle and nerve functioning. The heart is a muscle that needs a large amount of magnesium to maintain contractions and rhythms. Magnesium supplements are known to improve day-to-day well-being as well as better sleep, increased energy levels, and improved mood. These also have specific health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and improvement in migraines.

Prescription fish oils are used, but they are more effective, according to Johns Hopkins researchers, for triglycerides than for cholesterol. Omega-3 therapy with prescription fish oil can reduce triglycerides by 30 to 50 percent in people with levels of 500 mg/dL or higher who are at increased risk for pancreatitis. Also, over-the-counter fish oil supplements may contain high amounts of other unwanted saturated fats, which could raise your bad cholesterol.

But micronutrients like beta-carotene, when taken in supplement form, are known to increase the risk of CVD mortality. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. The human body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A when needed. Antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C and E help prevent the cell membrane from weakening, protecting it from unwanted compounds trying to get inside. Oxidative damage can indirectly lead to diet-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, beta-carotene is known to increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in certain circumstances. For example, if a person consumes higher than normal levels of beta-carotene, it becomes dangerous and can lead to higher mortality. Also, beta-carotene is known to have a different effect on male and female patients, smokers and drinkers. Another reason could be that it may turn into a pro-oxidant and become harmful to the body.

As beta-carotene supplements are also linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers, it is suggested that the micronutrients be taken as a whole food rather than a supplement. The human body can experience several benefits when nutrients are consumed as a whole food versus when they are isolated and put into supplement form.

But since these studies are relatively new and performed in a fixed number of people, it is important to characterize a specific dosage.